6 Birthplace of ChristianityJudea: Remote territory on eastern end of Mediterranean SeaOnce a part of the ancient kingdom of IsraelCame under Roman rule around 63 B.C.E.37 B.C.E. Herod came to a rule/puppet of the Roman governmentHerod dies in 4 B.C.E.

7 Cont… Jews hated the Romans and were looking for a MessiahPrefects put in place by RomeCouncil of Jewish leaders dealt with local affairs, led by a high priest, outwardly peacefulProphecies in sacred writing for G-d to send a savior

12 Very little known about Jesus’ childhoodLikely studied carpentry and lived in Nazareth

13 Gospels: New TestamentFour important writings/account of Jesus’ lifeWritten by his followers (disciples: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)Statements of faith in Jesus as the promised “Messiah”Greek word for Messiah was “Christos” or “the Christ”

14 Gospels: New Testament (cont…)Written down from oral and written sourcesWritten 30 – 70 years after Jesus diedTell of events of Jesus’ life: working miracles, healing the sick, befriending the poor and friendlessPreached of God’s mercy and loveUrged followers to love one another

15 Teachings:Parable: a simple story that explains a moral or religious lesson

16 Jesus’ TeachingsMinistry consisted of teaching, healing and service to othersPreached in synagoguesAs popularity increased, He began preaching in large, open spaces, towns and by the Sea of GalileeHe invited 12 men to become his disciples

17 John the Baptist Jesus is baptized at the age of 30John identifies Jesus as the MessiahTurning point in Jesus’ life40 days of praying in the wildernessReturned to Galilee and began preaching

18 Based on traditional Jewish beliefsSpecial emphasis placed on:LoveMercy“You shall love your God with all your heart and all your soul.”“You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.”“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”{Pages 352 – 353 in H.A.}

21 Early converts to Christianity were Jews.The ResurrectionWhat does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ represent for Christians?What holiday is celebrated by Christians to commemorate the Resurrection?Why do eggs play a large role in the celebration of this holiday?Early converts to Christianity were Jews.

22 Missionary Work of Paul:One of the most important people in ChristianityBorn in Tarsus, TurkeyDevoted his life to spreading the teachings of Jesus in (missionary) Asia minor, Greece and Rome

23 Missionary Work of Paul: (cont.)His letters to early churches are in bibleRomans executed him in 65 C.E. (approximately)After his death, Catholic Church named him a saint